A low blood sugar or glucose level is also known as hypoglycemia. It occurs when the glucose in the blood is used up too quickly, glucose is released too slowly or excess insulin is released into the blood stream. It is common in people with diabetes but can occur in people without diabetes.
Low blood sugar shows in symptoms of confusion, double vision, fatigue, headache, hunger, irritability and other hunger-related symptoms. Possible coma, fainting, memory loss and hallucinations may also occur.
Random or Missed Meals
If you have diabetes, a skipped meal can cause a blood sugar crash and low blood glucose levels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, an effective way to stave off low blood sugar is by eating carbohydrates. Foods like breads, potatoes, fruits and milk are rich in carbohydrates.
If you do not have diabetes, foods high in carbohydrates should be avoided. Frequent snacks and smaller meals, along with healthy foods, should stabilize the blood sugar levels in these cases. For a sharp crash, eating a food high in natural sugar can bring the blood sugar levels back into balance.
Failing to eat at the same time can also cause low sugar levels in the blood. If you have diabetes, it is important to eat at regular intervals with snacks in between. For some, snacks are especially important before exercising or sleep. A dietitian can draw up a meal plan to prevent low blood sugar.
Strenuous or Additional Exercise
Strenuous exercise can cause blood sugar levels to drop. According to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, high levels of exercise may cause hypoglycemia. This drop in blood sugar can be avoided by taking the precaution of checking blood glucose before and after physical activity, adjusting any medications, and checking blood sugar levels regularly throughout the exercise routine.
Diabetes Medications
If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia can be a side effect of a medication or a combination of medications. When taking insulin, it can cause a drop in blood pressure. Medications like glyburide, tolazamide, repaglinide and chlorpropamide all may cause low blood sugar when taken alone.
A combination of medications like sitagliptin and metformin or pioglitazone and glimepiride may also cause low blood sugar. Some medications have not been shown to cause hypoglycemia, such as the injectable medications pramlintide and exenatide, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Alcoholic Beverages
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse also maintains that alcoholic beverages may lead to low blood sugar. This is especially prevalent when consumed on an empty stomach. Any alcoholic beverage should be consumed with a meal or snack. Low blood sugar due to alcohol may not appear until a day or so later. Heavy drinking can be dangerous for anyone taking insulin or other medications that work to increase insulin production in the body.
